Category Archives: Landscaper

Cold, harsh winter weather can wreak havoc on many outdoor surfaces. But the vast expanse of a lawn is particularly susceptible to damage if not treated properly. Even if you missed the boat on pre-winter preparations, you can still take steps to maintain the appearance and health of your grass before even more frigid weather rolls around. Here are some ideas for keeping your lawn looking great all year long, no matter what Mother Nature throws your way.

Don’t Stop Normal Lawn Care

As counterproductive as it might sound, keeping up with scheduled maintenance practices can help retain your lawn’s health. Watering and mowing will help keep your lawn in great shape through the cool season, and keeping your grass relatively short will deter burrowing animals, such as mice. The good news? You can mow less often during winter.

Invest in Winter Fertilizer

Although it may sound unconventional, seasonal fertilizer is a great way to save the surface of your yard. If you can, spread fertilizer before the first frost (so the materials don’t mingle with the moisture and cause further issues) or wait until the ground is dry enough to do so. There are several brands available at major outdoor home improvement stores, so talk to an expert to see which product will work best for your lawn.

Plant a Different Grass

If you need some sort of foliage, look into a more resilient seed to plant. Different grass breeds, such as ryegrass and its varieties, can stand up to harsher weather while still providing the desired aesthetic. The texture will withstand frost and snow, keeping the soil underneath relatively healthy for the spring’s more delicate grasses. If no grass is needed, consider an alternative surface such as rocks, tile or even a new patio addition. There is room to be creative here!

Consider Stripping It

One plus to starting over with a brand-new lawn in the spring is saving the effort of preserving it during the winter. If the grass is starting to look brown and withered, getting rid of it entirely is a low-maintenance option for the cold months. When the weather improves in the spring, lay down new sod and enjoy the fresh, beautiful surface!

Contact Blue Tree

Need extra assistance with your cold weather lawn care? Let Blue Tree Landscaping help with that. Our landscapers can provide quotes and advice on the best upkeep of your grass, lawn or yard surface. We look forward to helping you maintain your home’s beautiful outdoor surfaces, so call or email us today for a quote.

There are many factors that go into a successful entertaining experience, and choosing the right music is one of them. However, if the yard cannot handle it, it takes away from the enjoyment. Optimizing your music experience is as simple as understanding your space and personal preferences. Here are some ways to optimize your patio for all-inclusive listening experience in any setting!

Clear Out Space

Be sure to make room for any sound system. Vines and other wall decorations may need to be removed to make room for wire installations. Rearrange furniture as well, in case the music system is an external one, and place it far enough away so that the noise is not a detriment to the surroundings.

Set the Foundation

If overhead speakers need to be installed, it is imperative that the base is solid and will support the system. Check the bases of wooden posts, gazebo posts, and any overhang foundations to ensure the structure’s integrity for heavy equipment to be installed. Metal hinges and support beams can be added to the foundation for extra security; check with a specialist to see what the best options are for your home.

Look At Product Options

There is a litany of choices for types of music systems and their accessories. Look at the patio and decide what kind of sound systems it can accommodate. Run wires through the framework to achieve a clean, smooth look, and pair speakers with televisions to have a more tech-forward look. Another way to control the flow is a mobile speaker system that can be moved from place to place, in accordance with the company or capacity of the space.

One other popular look is the “rock speaker” look, with carefully placed synthetic rocks with speakers embedded in them. There is a lot of room for creativity here! Explore what will add or detract from the aesthetic of your space, and install accordingly.

Get In Control (Or Go Wireless)

Ultimately, the comfort of you and your guests matters most when listening to music. Remote-controlled systems are an easy way to relax and control the music from the comfort of a couch or other sitting area. If the system is hooked up to a television, this action is made even simpler due to the joining of the two remotes for further optimization. ​

Blue Tree Landscaping

Here at Blue Tree Landscaping, we want to ensure a quality audio experience in every corner of your space. Our team of experts has decades of experience outfitting yards with their preferred setups for an optimal listening experience. Get in touch today!

Of all the elements that might affect a landscape, the wind is perhaps one of the least thought of. In reality, though, a breezy day can do more than just ruffle the plants and leaves on the property. When outfitting a new space, refurbishing a current one, or taking precautions against the cooling weather, take these wind-conscious factors into consideration!

Consider Debris

This form of damage can come in all shapes and sizes. Mulch, gravel, sand from sandboxes, and loose dirt can be stirred up by wind and cause harm to surrounding surfaces. In addition, trash and outside materials can blow onto the property, making the problem more severe. Above all else, it gives the yard a dirty, tarnished appearance. Consider sealants or more durable materials for outdoor furniture such as coarse fabric for cushions and darker paint colors.

Watch The Accessories

Look after those umbrellas! Lighter outdoor features are in danger of blowing over or detaching from their bases. Awnings, pillows, cushions, and decorations can get scattered around by the wind. If the forecast calls for a blustery day, make sure everything is secure in their spot, or simply store them inside until the weather changes.

Get A Pool Cover

Patios and furniture can be cleaned, but fishing small pieces out of a swimming pool can be a real hassle. Invest in a pool cover that spans the length of the pool, and set it over the water on windy days. This will prevent any unwanted dirt blowing in and clogging the filters, and it will preserve the existing water as well. Take note of the backyard assets around the pool, too, such as potted plants and toys to make sure they don’t blow into the water.

Protect the Garden

Don’t let one day of bad weather undo the months of hard work you’ve put into your garden. Consider placing wire cages around taller plants to offer stability, or cover shorter plants with a light grate to block the wind. Depending on the layout, hedges or creative fencing can also deflect intrusive gusts that could cause harm, and it could add an eye-pleasing aesthetic to the yard on top of everything else.

Contact Blue Tree

Make sure your yard can stand up to the wind! At Blue Tree Landscaping, we pride ourselves on helping to craft sturdy, beautiful outdoor spaces that can stand up to the elements, especially wind. We can survey your home and its available space to determine what features will help it maintain its exterior. Contact us for a quote today!

Now is the time to start decorating for the cooler months! Fall is here, and getting into the spirit with the appropriate fall ornaments for the home and yard is a guaranteed way to earn compliments and design inspiration from those around. Check out some of our tips for seasonal themes below to enhance your yard.

Pumpkins

While it’s almost time to pick the pumpkins that were planted earlier in the year, that doesn’t mean the opportunity to adorn your space with decorative ones should be passed up. Whether it be wicker ones, plastic, or made from another synthetic material, there are many options for placeholder pumpkins inside and outside the home.

Leaves

The leaves outside are lovely, but they can get messy when unraked! Try fake garlands to provide a pleasing framing for doorways, windows, and fireplaces. Go for a rustic look and place leaf bunches in flowerpots or against the back of kitchen countertops for a pop of detail that house guests will love. If there is a wrought-iron fence or grate anywhere outdoors, lace them around the bars for a sturdy, beautiful addition to the decor.

Hay

Hay bales are not only a cute decoration, but they provide a thematic sitting area for fall-themed events. Place them among the growing pumpkin patch outside, or alternatively under a patio or pergola for fall festivities. Even better, put a flat surface on top of a low hay bale to create a makeshift table and to set drinks and appetizer plates on. Get creative with this one; they’re not commonly thought of for decorating, but there is a ton of room to make them useful.

Plaid

Tablecloths, napkins, shirts, bed sheets…the possibilities are endless! Dress up the garden scarecrow with a weather-ready plaid shirt, or take strips of plaid ribbon to tie around light fixtures for another pastoral look. Visit any fabric store for a large selection of ideas, or make your own by buying fabric and sizing it yourself. Plaid is very stylish right now, so use it for everything — from seat cushions to paper place settings!

Contact Blue Tree

Make sure your autumn aesthetic stays pleasing for seasons to come! Here at Blue Tree Landscaping, we are committed to providing top-quality services to protect your yard from any threatening weather conditions that can disturb the fun. Ensure that weather-resistant patio covers, fences, and patios themselves are gearing up for blustering, windy, and crisp weather. Enjoy yourself this fall and call Blue Tree today for a quote!

Although on the milder side, fall weather can lead to the damage of outdoor surfaces just like any other season. Most of the time, the summer runoff leaves areas hot, dry and faded. To adequately protect your more fragile backyard surfaces, follow these steps before the snow and sleet roll in this winter.

Clean the Surfaces

Remove any leaves, dirt, and debris that accumulated over the summer. If the surface has cracks or grout, take a power washer to them to erase any unsightly remains before the season begins. This will also clear the way for any treatments you want to perform on the yard, and regardless, having a clean yard throughout the winter is a great advantage.

Cleaning off your surfaces additionally means taking care of what resides on them. Put away children’s toys and smaller decorative pieces that may sustain damage throughout the season. Outdoor furniture should be covered or removed entirely, and plants with delicate pots would best be maintained under the cover of an overhang or well-covered table for the duration of the season.

Treat Vulnerable Spots

Keeping outdoor surfaces as fresh looking as possible is crucial for their long-term success. Weather protective coating and sealants for any surface, including even outdoor furniture, will come in handy, especially when rain and snow hit the yard.

For lawns and turf, clearing any dry and yellowed sod will not only treat the whole area, but it will prevent the rest of the vicinity from drying out and suffering from damage. Plants that line a walkway or patio might need pruning or grooming to preserve their health.

Protect Everything

If an area is too big to treat, invest in sturdy tarps to drape over the appropriate walkways. They can be rolled up and stored during the off-season, and the protection they provide will save on repairs and touch-ups for next year’s warmer months. Those tarps can also extend to furniture too big to move, such as a pool table or in-ground fire pit, and any plants that need a bit more protection, such as a garden.

Call Blue Tree

Need advice on the best way to protect your yard against the elements? Blue Tree Landscaping can help! Our team of professionals has experience working with outdoor surfaces and yards of all types and can assist in keeping yours in pristine condition year round. Contact us for a quote today!

The seasons are beginning to change, and with nature’s preparation for winter comes leaves and debris that need to be taken care of before it’s too cold and the weather is unpredictable. Any yard with a pool requires extra attention and care for fall, whether that pool is in use or not. Check out these measures to keep in mind for the coming season!

Take toys out

This might seem like an easy one, but once the pool’s temperature gets too low to use, you should clear the pool of any children’s toys or floating accessories so that they don’t sustain any damage. Floating chairs and drink holders should also be removed and stored away. Clean them with dish soap and water before bringing them inside, and be sure to deflate them for optimal storage. That way, they will be fresh and ready to enjoy for next summer’s festivities!

Use a pool cover

For further protection (and a potentially smoother cleanup) consider investing in a plastic cover or tarp for your pool. The full-coverage benefit will shield the water from debris caused by wind and storms and will additionally shield any underwater surfaces as well. This can also provide adequate protection in the summer months during heat spells and summer storms.

Check chemical levels

Everyone’s pool sits at a slightly different chlorine level, so be vigilant about checking yours. All other factors, including the pH and any saltwater materials, should be checked before the weather affects these levels too much. Temperature, sunlight, and animals infiltrating the water’s surfaces all have an effect on the water, but with a bit of surveillance, the pool will remain healthy beyond the fall months.

Pool surfaces

Before snow and leaves coat the ground, ensure that the pool’s foundation and coatings are intact. If any grout or surface tiles are chipping or cracked, replace or repair them in a timely manner before it gets too difficult to do so. Any protective seals put on furniture should be inspected as well, or simply moved out of the way. Stocking up on materials to fix or polish damages done by the weather is not a bad idea either.

When it comes to pool surfaces, trust the experts to take care of any problem that’s too big to handle. At Blue Tree Landscaping, we are committed to helping protect your yard in case of unpredictable weather. Our in-ground pool knowledge will help to ensure its lifespan year-round, so call us for any questions or a free quote today!

When the seasons change for cooler weather, the temperature dips and children go back to school. It’s a beautiful time, and nature reflects that by placing changing leaves and fall flowers out on display for the world. There are several varieties of foliage you can plant on your property to enhance the autumnal experience. Check out some popular options for this year’s harvest below!

Snapdragons

These colorful buds are strong and will stand up to most weather conditions. Planting them in the declining seasons is a viable option, and they can be installed in cooler springtime weather as well. You can water them as normal, and be sure they have some access to sunlight. Their muted colors will also match a cooler winter decor should you choose to bring them inside to liven up your home.

Pansies

Pansies may look delicate, but their short clusters are a striking addition to yards in harsher climates. There is a multitude of colors and combinations to choose from as well. You can plant these alongside a cobblestone path or in window boxes for a bright splash against the drab of winter.

Sweet Peas

Sweet peas are a classic choice. Their light fragrance and soft colors make them flexible for both indoor and outdoor aesthetics. However, sweet peas do require a bit more upkeep due to their rarity and ease of growing. Be sure that sweet peas are a true essential for fall flowers in your own garden, as they are a commitment!

Winter Vegetables

Now is also the perfect time to begin planting small crops for the winter. Leafy greens will thrive this time of year and certain squashes and vegetables will be ready to pick soon. You may want to consider consulting a gardening guide to ensure that your choices are acted on in the appropriate time frame.

Wedding Flowers

As the summer wedding season winds down, there are a few transitional options for the perfect fall ceremony. Several lilies and chrysanthemums are coming into bloom, and carnations are always in fashion for any occasion. Tulips and daisies are conventional, dependable options that are available almost everywhere. Ultimately, it comes down to what the bride and groom prefer, but know that there are many plants out there to take into account.

Contact Blue Tree

Let us help you design the space of your dreams! At Blue Tree Landscaping, we take pride in helping homeowners craft the ideal outdoor landscape, from hardscaping and pool services to design and more. Email or call us to get a quote today!

We’re in the thick of summer when the air is hottest and driest. Around this time, lawns and foliage can start to look withered and brown, but that doesn’t have to be the case. There are several measures you can take to preserve the integrity and beauty of your yard. Check out these tips on keeping the back and front yards looking fresh until the holidays, and finishing out the warmer months with a clean, polished space.

Sprinklers

Make sure the sprinkler system isn’t suffering along with the grass and plants. Check the equipment and water levels for the home to ensure that everything is in perfect working order, and make replacements as needed. If something is outdated or rusty, be sure to make changes immediately, so the weather doesn’t wreak havoc on expensive equipment.

Tend to All Surfaces

The ground may be covered with leaves and snow in the months ahead, but that does not have to damage a patio or poolside surface. Seal the surface with protective shellacs or sealants, or strip existing coverage and replace it with new materials. It may be best to hold off on replacing any hardscaping materials until after the unpredictable, cooler weather subsides; spring might be best for projects that require a longer commitment for completion.

Sod or Plants

If the greenery is beyond help, seek other solutions. Unrolling a new lawn over stripped ground provides a new foundation for an aesthetic yard. Keep in mind, though, that sod is a costlier option that should be considered early in the season.

Flowers or potted plants are other options that prove to be cost-efficient, especially if they’re artificial. When the weather turns frigid, the plants can be brought inside and stored for the next season’s enjoyment. Choose to replicate local flowers, or get creative and pick tropical options for a splash of color!

Adjust Décor

It’s possible to enjoy the outdoors in the colder months if your space is equipped for it! Snag weather-resistant cushions that will stand up to harsher weather and bring any delicate adornments inside to protect them. A fire pit can be a comfortable entertainment choice for larger groups that want to enjoy the crisp late-year weather, and sturdy light fixtures will illuminate the space in all types of weather.

Contact Blue Tree

Let us help you polish your space! Our team of experts is happy to give you a quote on repair services, landscaping changes, and more. We are committed to helping you get the most out of your yard year-round, so contact us to get started!

For some folks, a pool is not the ideal backyard staple. The upkeep can be a hassle, and too costly at that, and removing it can open the doors to several other backyard options. Explore other options for a backyard that can easily cover a filled in, in-ground pool!

Pool Demolition

The most common route of replacing a pool is filling it in with other materials. Start by draining the water or, if possible, relocating it to a different source to recycle it. Then find additional materials to fill it with. Dirt, rubble, and cement are the normal means of filling in a pool. Make sure any systems associated with it, such as pumps and solar panels, are disassembled or off completely.

There are several methods of filling a pool, and consulting a technician on the proper techniques for doing so can have several benefits. Professional advice can determine the pool’s capacity to be filled, as well as any additional services that need to be performed. As always, obtain permission or services from city officials before performing any steps in the process.

Sport Court

The foundation for a multi-sport court is prime after filling in a pool; the surface area is wide enough so that it will be safe and sturdy. Enjoy tennis, basketball, badminton, and more on synthetic tile or other court materials. This is a wonderful, year-round entertainment option for kids and parents alike!

A Patio

If the foundation is laid with care, then it can take the weight of a wood or cement nation with trimmings to match. Make sure that the backyard surface is flat enough to establish a solid surface for tables, chairs, pool tables, or entertainment sets that will enhance the new space. Whether it be an extension of an existing nation or a new one, check the surface for any give before proceeding.

Grass

For those looking for a more simple terrain, grass or artificial sod is an aesthetic option that leaves room for flexibility in future projects. Keep in mind the time of installation though; weather can affect the success of setting soil, and pets can tear up the installments to the point of replacing it sooner than needed. A new lawn has so many perks, and it will help the yard stay cool in the hot summer months.

Contact Blue Tree

Start a new foundation with Blue Tree! Our expert services can revitalize your backyard to create a space that looks completely different from any previous ones. Contact us for a quote or advice on the best path to take to get the backyard you need, and want!

Decorating a yard is one of the most personal, fun aspects of putting together a beautiful space. With a warm season in the works, accessorizing might mean more than just a few well-placed tchotchkes. Give your yard what it needs by placing plants and natural accouterments in your outdoor space! There are several options for placing greenery in a yard, all of which can be customized into a unique layout for any aesthetic. Here are a few options worth visiting a greenhouse for:

Trees

This is one to plan for early. It can be rewarding to buy saplings early and let them flourish over years of time, but growth will happen very gradually. Make sure the ground has ample room for widening root systems, and know what the cycles of weather will bring for individual breeds. Choose from fir trees and smaller accent trees to fruit trees that will bring a personal harvest every year. Patience is key for tree growth, so enjoy watching the progress!

Shrubs

If there is a large amount of sidewalk space or a fence that needs sprucing up, choosing bushes or shrubs to line that space will provide more than just decoration. Small children or dogs will have some buffers from a more unforgiving surface, and outside critters will have a more difficult time infiltrating the property. Pruning can be a fun aspect to shrubbery, especially with the potential of forming different shapes into free-standing structures.

Flowers

Always a popular choice, accenting the yard with seasonal flowers will brighten any space. Flowers will pollinate, helping any garden plants to grow to full potential, and the whole yard will benefit from the natural care. If space allows, flower beds in windows or underneath them is a classic setup that with proper care and maintenance will result in beautiful bouquets along the outside walls of your home.

Grass

A well-groomed lawn has a subtle contribution to the overall picture. Whether one chooses natural grass, sod, or artificial turf surface, a lawn will help determine the health and potential of plants placed in it. A sufficient irrigation system and a little upkeep will keep your grass, and thus your plants, healthy.

Blue Tree

For more landscaping and installation ideas, contact Blue Tree! Our team of experts will advise and assist in this year’s round of planting, from choosing special breeds to crafting blueprints to making your space both lovely and functional. We have been serving creative homeowners since 1983, and cannot wait to work with you to build the yard of your dreams!